Published on:
14
May 2012
A new all weather woodland path and running track costing £11,000 will be officially opened this Saturday as part of Tillicoultry Primary School's Open Day.
Organised by the Parent Council, the event this Saturday, 19th May, will include wildflower planting and a litter pick. The event will take place between 10am and 12 noon.
With the help of the Countryside Rangers and supervision by parent volunteers pupils will also be able to experience burn dipping and water beasties, fire lighting and marshmallow toasting. Other outdoor activities taking place include shelter building. Refreshments and home baking will also be available..
The highlight of the Open Day will be the opening of the school's woodland path and running track. Staff and pupils in the school have planned the running track over the last few years and have worked together to decide on the route and how it could also be used as a excellent community facility.
Head of Education, Belinda Greer, said: "The Parent Council have supported the school with fund raising activities and applications for grant funding . Staff and pupils at Tillicoultry Primary School are very proud of the effort shown by all involved in fund raising to create the path, and have been delighted with the terrific support shown by the local community."
The school, awarded £4,000 by the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Environment Trust, are also working in partnership with Grounds for Learning as part of a partnership with Clackmannanshire Council's programme to improve school grounds. They were awarded £3,000 through the programme.
The school also organised a sponsored run around the route the path which raised a further £2,453. The school's Health and Wellbeing committee raised £350 and a donation of £1,000 from the Parent Council, boosted the funds to finally allow this super facility to be completed.
The track winds its way through the wooded area in the grounds of Tillicoultry Primary School, before encircling the playing fields, providing a level pathway which is dry underfoot no mattert the weather conditions.
Head Teacher at Tillicoultry Primary School, Patricia Paterson, said: "Although parts of the path encounter a gentle slope, pupils of the Health and Wellbeing committee designed it to be buggy, wheelchair, runner and walker friendly and they have been very pleased to hear that it is popular not only with pupils during school hours, but also with the local community at other times."
"By involving pupils, parents and the wider community in improving and looking after the grounds we are offering opportunities to develop citizenship, responsibility and teamwork while developing a sense of participation and pride in our school.
Ongoing improvements to the school grounds will have a significant impact on future teaching and learning.
Patricia added: "Encouraging pupils to re-connect with their natural environment, the path will provide a fun resource which will allow pupils more ready access to areas where they can learn about biodiversity, risk management and sharing. It will also provide a track for pupils to host running events and improve physical fitness for years to come."